Stockholm, often dubbed the ‘Venice of Scandinavia’ for its enchanting array of shimmering waterways and charming bridges, is a city that captures the heart and imagination.
The city welcomed me with open arms for my Columbus Day adventure, but little did I know it would turn into a drizzly escapade! ☔
Each raindrop seemed to add to the excitement of exploring everything this vibrant place offered.
Stockholm made it onto my Birthday Adventure 2024 list, a personal quest to immerse myself in the stunning landscapes of Scandinavia – Oslo, Helsinki and Stockholm, to be precise.
I decided to make Stockholm my Fall Adventure because autumn is a season that promised a unique charm despite its colder, wetter weather.
Okay, let’s be honest. My decision wasn’t about scenery; it was about money. 💰 💸 💴
Stockholm is expensive. Summer time is considered the best time to visit the city because the weather is more favorable and daylight lasts longer.
However, summer is also the most expensive time to visit this city.
So while the colorful fall foliage contrasting beautifully against the city’s historic architecture sparked my desire to walk the cobblestone streets, the shoulder season’s more wallet-friendly prices allowed me to experience the city without breaking the bank.
Additionally, Stockholm is a predominantly cashless economy, making it almost unnecessary to exchange traditional paper currency. Personally, I find cashless transactions to be incredibly convenient. They simplify the process of tracking my expenses, allowing me to easily monitor how much I’m spending and convert it to my home currency.
This feature is beneficial as it enables me to manage my budget effectively while thoroughly enjoying the city’s rich experiences and attractions.
GETTING HERE:
There was no need to compare travel options. I was flying to Stockholm. After a quick search, I locked in my flights, abiding by my trusty ‘first flight of the day’ rule, and snagged a roundtrip ticket to Stockholm, complete with checked luggage.
The 7 a.m. flight turned out to be an absolute gem. It felt almost like a private jet with only 30 to 40 passengers onboard.
Once boarding was complete, passengers were allowed to spread out and take advantage of the open seats — in economy class of course. I ended up with my own empty row, and I made myself comfortable for the journey ahead. The flight was smooth as silk — no hiccups or turbulence in sight. It was the perfect start to my adventure!
As soon as I retrieved my luggage from baggage claim, excitement surged through me. I made my way to the Arlanda Express, the sleek train that promised a swift journey to Stockholm Central Station.
With each step, the city’s vibrant energy pulsed in the air, fueling my anticipation for the adventure that awaited.
The Arlanda Express is an airport rail link known for its speed and convenience, connecting Stockholm Central Station with the Stockholm Arlanda Airport. While some frequent travelers may consider it a ‘tourist trap,’ the 18-minute journey is undeniably swift.
A roundtrip ticket was 640 Swedish krona, which is about $61. This is a bit expensive for an 18-minute ride from the airport, yet for me, the comfort and time saved was worth the price.
Public transport from the Arlanda airport is 177 SEK, which is about $17. This is cheaper but would also take about 50 minutes by bus and 75 minutes (with connections) by commuter train. However, all three options were cheaper than a taxi, which costs around $100 one-way and takes just as long as the bus.
My choice of the Arlanda Express over other public transport options was about speed and convenience. With no need to change trains to get to my hotel, and considering my hotel was only a six-minute walk from the Central Station, the Arlanda Express was the most practical choice.
Now I know how to navigate the city using Stockholm public transport system. If my adventures take me to Stockholm again, using public transport won’t be an issue.
Knowing me, however, I’d probably still opt for the Arlanda Express.
SHERATON STOCKHOLM
The Sheraton Stockholm provided accommodations for my three-night stay.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that set the tone for an unforgettable experience. The hotel, situated conveniently in the heart of the city, offered breathtaking views of the waterfront and iconic landmarks.
I initially wanted to stay at the Nobis Hotel Stockholm, which was once the Svenska Kreditbanken Norrmalmstorg.
The actions of individuals involved led to ‘Stockholm syndrome,’ a psychological phenomenon where captives develop positive feelings towards their captors, becoming popular lexicon.
While the Nobis Hotel Stockholm, with its intriguing history, would’ve added a fascinating anecdote to this Adventure, the Sheraton Stockholm proved to be the more cost-effective choice. Nobis was $400 more per night than the Sheraton. I couldn’t justify the additional $1200 despite my interest in the hotel’s past.
My stay at the Sheraton Stockholm was nothing short of comfortable. The online check-in feature has become a must-use, especially when it helps the staff ensure my room is ready upon arrival.
My Classic King Room was spacious and beautifully decorated, featuring plush furnishings and a cozy bed that made it hard to leave each morning. The luxurious bathtub was a delightful oasis, offering the perfect refuge for unwinding after a long day of walking and discovering the city’s charming sights. The large windows flooded the space with natural light. I sipped my evening tea while enjoying the vibrant city’s nightscape.
The ‘no housekeeping’ reward points (500 points per night) were an unexpected and delightful bonus, adding an extra layer of value to the experience. By opting out of daily cleaning services, I enjoyed a more private and personal stay and racked up bonus Marriott Rewards points for future adventures. It felt like a win-win situation, enhancing my adventure and allowing me to accumulate points for future benefits.
My room rate included a delightful breakfast that was nothing short of a culinary adventure. Each morning, I was greeted with a vibrant spread of fresh fruits, fluffy pastries, tea, coffee and juice, and chicken meatballs – which were surprisingly scrumptious. The air was filled with mouthwatering aromas. It was so satisfying that I didn’t even think about lunch while I ventured out to explore the vibrant surroundings.
This little perk turned out to be a win for my travel budget, putting an impressive $20 to $30 back into my pocket each day — giving me funds to explore additional attractions.
There was some noise from construction outside my room, but it was only during normal work hours and nothing on weekends. Since I was out of the room most of the day, this didn’t bother me as much as I thought.
The hotel’s convenient location, with Stockholm Central Station just a six-minute stroll away, made it easy to explore the city.
A leisurely 10-minute walk took me to the charming streets of Gamla Stan, where history comes alive. Additionally, I found an array of delightful restaurants nearby, all within walking distance, offering a variety of dining options to suit my palate.
PHOTO SAFARI
Following a quick refresh and recharge session at my hotel, I headed out for my photo safari. Since the day’s itinerary did not include any of Stockholm’s major attractions, I simply explored the city.
My first stop was to the Storstockholms Lokaltrafik ticket agent booth to purchase a three-day travelcard for $36. The card allowed me to use the various public transport options as much as I liked during my stay.
Taxis in Stockholm can really pack a punch to your wallet!
For example, hopping in a cab from my hotel to the Swedish History Museum started at around $11 for a one-way trip.
At first glance, that doesn’t seem too bad, right? But once the surcharge for the time of day, traffic jams, and those sneaky service charges were added, the price skyrocketed to $30!
Furthermore, taxi prices are not necessarily regulated in Sweden — this is an easy way for unsuspecting travelers to fall victim to a scam.
That’s why I was happy to use public transportation for the duration of my adventure.
Now that I had ‘wheels,’ navigating to certain areas was easy. The three-day travelcard was a game-changer, allowing me to hop on and off trams, buses, and even ferries without worrying about individual ticket costs or the hassle of tapping my credit card for each trip.
Well, it would’ve been smooth sailing had Mother Nature not decided to shower the city with rain at that moment, transforming the streets into shimmering rivers. But I’m not one to let a little rain dampen my spirits. In fact, the rain fueled my spirit, invigorating me with its wild energy, and I danced along, laughing at the sky’s dramatic display.
While many travelers might stay indoors when the rain starts to fall, I find myself completely the opposite. There’s something invigorating about embracing the elements and seizing every opportunity, rain or shine. After all, a little drizzle shouldn’t dampen the adventure, right?
“Keep Calm and Carry An Umbrella” became my motto as I faced the unpredictable weather.
With a sturdy umbrella in hand, I pressed on with my adventure, embracing the drizzle that fell from the overcast sky. After all, a light shower was merely a minor obstacle for a spirited traveler like me, eager to explore the wonders around me undeterred.
STADSMUSEET STOCKHOLM
The day’s highlight was discovering the vibrant tapestry of Stockholm’s past at the Stockholm City Museum!
This fascinating destination invites visitors to embark on an immersive journey through 500 years of the city’s history. From captivating exhibits to rich stories, each corner of the museum reveals the city’s evolution and cultural heritage.
As a history enthusiast, I enjoyed the museum’s unique glimpse into Stockholm’s heart and soul.
The museum was part of my itinerary, nestled in my plans for a much later visit. However, fate intervened when it unexpectedly appeared during my photo safari. Its majestic facade, partly obscured by the gray clouds overhead, beckoned to me.
Intrigued by this serendipitous encounter, I decided to seek refuge from the rain within its inviting walls, eager to uncover the treasures that lay inside. The rhythmic patter of raindrops echoed behind me as I stepped into a world of art and history, ready to explore the shelter this unexpected haven offered.
I can’t emphasize enough how thoroughly I enjoyed visiting this remarkable museum. The fact that entry was free would have easily merited a three-star rating. Still, the museum’s captivating exhibits and engaging atmosphere took my experience to a whole new level, ultimately earning it an impressive five-star rating. Every corner was filled with intriguing displays that sparked my curiosity and left me in awe.
I took a deep dive into the fascinating history of Stockholm, spending a thoroughly enjoyable 90 minutes exploring its many layers. The exhibits dedicated to the Modern Era captivated me with their intricate designs and compelling stories that highlighted the city’s transformation during significant historical moments.
I found myself particularly drawn to the City of Industry segment, where the displays illustrated the economic evolution of Stockholm, showcasing everything from early manufacturing techniques to contemporary innovations.
Another standout was the department store and window dressing exhibit, which exceeded my expectations. It provided a rich, detailed exploration of the artistry behind visual merchandising and the evolution of retail culture.
From antique shop displays to modern marketing strategies, I learned how window dressing has influenced consumer behavior and shaped the shopping experience over the decades, leaving me with a newfound appreciation for the craft involved.
DAY ONE CONCLUDES
The Stockholm City Museum was the final destination on the day’s itinerary, a highly anticipated conclusion to my first day in Stockholm. By now, the rain had mercilessly soaked through my shoes, water pooling around my tired feet and saturating my socks.
I can tolerate damp sleeves and chilled fingers, but once my feet succumbed to the chill, I knew it was time to retreat to the warmth of my hotel.
So, I made my way back, longing for the comfort of a hot, soothing bubble bath to wash away the day’s weariness. The steam enveloped me as I sank into the warm water, easing my tension.
Afterward, I opted for a comforting dinner of pork belly sliders, paired with golden, crispy fries. The savory meal was indulgently satisfying.
With a steaming cup of aromatic tea in hand, and a couple of soft butter cookies on the plate, I settled in for a cozy evening, allowing myself to be drawn into the action-packed world of The Equalizer 3, a delightful end to a thoroughly drenching day.
Day One was an exhilarating whirlwind, even with the dreary weather!
I checked the forecast for Day Two’s adventures and burst with joy when I saw the sun would shine brightly.
The thrill of the adventures that awaited me sent electric pulses of excitement through every fiber of my being. The stage was set for an unforgettable Day Two, and I couldn’t wait to let loose while I sang and danced my heart out!
Candy Knight's Stories 
3 comments